From 1922:
Make a syrup of 1 lb. sugar to a little less than 1 pint water. When sugar is dissolved and syrup boiling, drop in the figs (which should have been wiped and the green stem part cut off). When tender (about 5 minutes boiling suffices, but try with a fork), lift and drain on a dish, then place on trays covered with paper and place in the sun for 3 or 4 days, turning each day on to a clean paper. Sprinkle with sugar and pack in paper bags. They keep all through the winter.